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Legalization of same-sex marriage in California and the U.S. was both highly anticipated and long overdue. Finally, same-sex couples are now treated as equals under state and federal law and can enjoy the same rights, benefits and privileges afforded to opposite-sex couples.

Either as an active duty member of the military, a veteran, a Reservist, a member of the National Guard, or a military spouse, you undoubtedly have many fears and questions regarding your divorce or custody dispute. Procedurally your case is the same as non-military cases, however there are additional factors to take into consideration which offer extra protection to military personnel and military spouses.

As a divorce financial adviser, I'm often brought in to work with clients who are still going through a split, but I'm just as often brought in afterward. Newly single clients are typically concerned about their finances and want to make sure they have enough for their immediate needs, and that they'll have enough when they retire. Even my very wealthy clients -– those with millions of dollars after a divorce –- have the same nagging questions and fears keeping them up at night.

To help them, I've developed this divorce financial checklist.

The holidays are centering points for families. What do you do with the holidays when dealing divorce or broken relationships make you wonder, "how can I celebrate anything?" How can you embrace Thanksgiving or sing about "Joy to the World" or light the candles on the menorah or tell the stories of Kwanza when your life is crumbling all around you?

As hard as it is, it's in times of distress and heartache that you absolutely should celebrate the holidays. The fact is the holidays endure through everything. They are part of the solid ground that transcends what's happening on the surface of our lives. They reassure us that there are some things that do not change and demand celebration no matter what. Holidays are about peace and sharing and gratitude and love. During tragedy, or divorce, or heartache we have to reach down and find those core things at a deeper level, a more meaningful level.